The potential of telemedicine for dermatological care of pediatric patients in Germany.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Skin diseases are a common reason for consultations in pediatric practice. The present study aims to characterize the dermatological requests of resident pediatric specialists using teledermatology in Germany. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This analysis of consultation requests, submitted by pediatricians to a designated pediatric dermatologist via a telemedical consultation system (PädExpert) using the store-and-forward technology, was performed between February 2021 and December 2021. RESULTS: The study analysis included 504 telemedical consultation requests. The mean age of the patients was 6.5 ± 5.0 years with 45.5% of the patients being female. Telemedicine was useful in providing a definite diagnosis in 88.3%. The diagnoses were most frequently assigned to the group of infectious skin diseases (28.8%). Referral to a dermatologist was recommended in 11.5%. The requests were answered on the same day in 63.8% of the cases. CONCLUSIONS: The study data shows the great potential of teledermatology to improve access for children with skin diseases to specialized dermatological care. Another advantage is its function as a triage instrument. Since most cases could be managed by teledermatology only, it is possible to reduce the need for an in-person visit to the dermatologist, thus saving resources.

S1 Guideline onychomycosis.

Onychomycosis is a fungal infection of the fingernails and toenails. In Europe, tinea unguium is mainly caused by dermatophytes. The diagnostic workup comprises microscopic examination, culture and/or molecular testing (nail scrapings). Local treatment with antifungal nail polish is recommended for mild or moderate nail infections. In case of moderate to severe onychomycosis, oral treatment is recommended (in the absence of contraindications). Treatment should consist of topical and systemic agents. The aim of this update of the German S1 guideline is to simplify the selection and implementation of appropriate diagnostics and treatment. The guideline was based on current international guidelines and the results of a literature review conducted by the experts of the guideline committee. This multidisciplinary committee consisted of representatives from the German Society of Dermatology (DDG), the German-Speaking Mycological Society (DMykG), the Association of German Dermatologists (BVDD), the German Society for Hygiene and Microbiology (DGHM), the German Society of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine (DGKJ), the Working Group for Pediatric Dermatology (APD) and the German Society for Pediatric Infectious Diseases (DGPI). The Division of Evidence-based Medicine (dEBM) provided methodological assistance. The guideline was approved by the participating medical societies following a comprehensive internal and external review.

S1 guidelines: Tinea capitis.

Tinea capitis describes a dermatophyte infection of scalp and hair that predominately occurs in children. The diagnostic workup includes microscopic examination, culture and/or molecular tests. Treatment is guided by the specific organism involved and should consist of systemic agents as well as adjuvant topical treatment. The aim of the present update of the interdisciplinary German S1 guidelines is to provide dermatologists, pediatricians and general practitioners with a decision tool for selecting and implementing appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic measures in patients with tinea capitis. The guidelines were developed based on current international guidelines, in particular the 2010 European Society for Pediatric Dermatology guidelines and the 2014 British Association of Dermatologists guidelines, as well as on a review of the literature conducted by the guideline committee. This multidisciplinary committee consists of representatives from the German Society of Dermatology (DDG), the German-Speaking Mycological Society (DMykG), the German Society for Hygiene and Microbiology (DGHM), the German Society of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine (DGKJ) and the German Society for Pediatric Infectious Diseases (DGPI). The Division of Evidence-based Medicine (dEBM) provided methodological assistance. The guidelines were approved by the participating medical societies following a comprehensive internal and external review.

Extragenital cutaneous warts - clinical presentation, diagnosis and treatment.

Extragenital cutaneous warts are benign epidermal tumors caused by human papillomaviruses (HPVs) and a frequent reason for patients to consult a dermatologist. Depending on wart type and site involved, the clinical presentation is highly varied. Given that warts represent a self-limiting condition, a wait-and-see approach may be justified. However, treatment is always indicated if the lesions become painful or give rise to psychological discomfort. Factors to be considered in this context include subjective disease burden, patient age, site affected, as well as the number and duration of lesions. Destructive treatment methods involve chemical or physical removal of diseased tissue. Nondestructive methods consist of antimitotic and antiviral agents aimed at inhibiting viral proliferation in keratinocytes. Some of the various immunotherapies available not only have localized but also systemic effects and are thus able to induce remission of warts located at any distance from the injection site. Especially patients with warts at multiple sites benefit from this form of treatment. Intralesional immunotherapy using the mumps-measles-rubella (MMR) vaccine is a particularly promising option for the treatment of recalcitrant warts in adult patients. For children, on the other hand, HPV vaccination is a novel and promising approach, even though it has not been approved for the treatment of cutaneous warts. At present, there is no universally effective treatment available. Moreover, many frequently employed therapies are currently not supported by conclusive clinical trials.

[Pityriasis versicolor]. / Pityriasis versicolor.

The common superficial infection caused by Malassezia yeasts raises even today several questions concerning important pathogenetic and therapeutical aspects like an effective prevention therapy.

Physical sunscreens with high sun protection factor may cause perioral dermatitis in children.

Perioral dermatitis is common in children and, if untreated, characterized by a chronic course lasting for months. Provocation factors known for adults, especially topical or inhaled corticosteroids, are relevant in children as well. We present eight children - all of them with dry skin - who developed perioral dermatitis after using sunscreens based on micropigments. This suggests that children with dry skin are at increased risk for perioral dermatitis. A history of sunscreen use should be specifically sought in children with perioral dermatitis.